Handcarved 18th Century Italian White Statuary Marble Bust of Homer

An impressive handcarved 18^th century Italian white statuary marble bust of Homer, legendary Greek poet and author who is thought to have penned two of ancient Greece’s most epic poems: the Odyssey and the Iliad.

This unsigned life-size neoclassical bust sees the poet as he is commonly depicted in statuary, with an abundant head of hair adorned with a headband, a beard and vacant eyes – indicative of Homer’s blindness, as he was thought to be.

Swathed in drapery to his shoulders, this bust dates from the 18^th century but follows much earlier styles, drawing likeness to his Homer’s famous portrait that is thought to have been first depicted during the Hellenistic era and remains immediately recognisable to this day.

Though centuries old, this Italian marble bust is in good condition for its age with minimal losses other than the obvious one to the nose. While it could be situated inside or outdoors, we’d recommend placement indoors or in a sheltered outdoor area.

Provenance: From a Distinguished British Private Collection